Wednesday May 11, 2016

Moderate dementia is the second stage in the disease progression and typically lasts the longest. Your loved one will need increasing assistance managing everyday life.

Symptoms of moderate dementia

As your loved one moves into the moderate dementia stage, you may notice the following symptoms:

Needing help with activities of daily living (ADL’s), including toileting, hygiene and dressing.

Emotional, behavioral and personality changes including anxiety and depression, delusions and compulsions.

Disorientation with time and place.

Increased forgetfulness about personal information and impaired short term memory

Getting lost easily and increased wandering.

How you can help

Providing a stable daily routine is one of the best ways you can help your loved one with moderate dementia. Familiar activities throughout the day can help reduce depression and anxiety that may be causing any behavioral challenges. Consider enrolling your loved one in an adult day care where they may benefit from organized activities and socialization.

As your loved one loses the ability to verbalize, it becomes increasingly important to regularly check your loved one for anything that may be causing physical discomfort. Anticipate bathroom needs, check for skin irritations, and offer regular meals. Also, monitor your loved one for any side effects from medications they may be taking, as they may exacerbate symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Continue to work alongside your loved one’s team of doctors to revise care plans as needed. A psychologist can help identify techniques that help keep you loved one calm.

If you need help supporting your loved one with moderate dementia, call Abramson Care Advisors at 215-371-3400. A senior care expert is available to help you free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Serving a Diverse ClienteleThe Abramson Center for Jewish Life does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious creed, disability, handicap, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or genetic information in admissions, referrals, employment or the provision of care or service.